A Beautiful Hodgepodge

Thank you for joining this week's Wednesday Hodgepodge where Joyce asks the questions and we answer.

1. How do you define beauty? 

This is an interesting question as my blog title is "Beauty Without Within."  Most definitions of beauty deal with one's outward appearance - what is seen by the human eye and judged by preconceived ideas and ideals.  There is nothing wrong with doing everything we can to enhance the outward beauty that God gave us, and to dress appropriately in order to impress and create a positive and impressive image to the world, for His glory.  However, the whole premise of my blog is that for the truly beautiful woman, there is always that beauty that comes from within.

My second blog post back in 2011 titled, "Confidence" ended with the following statement:

  

Walk with real confidence my sister "Being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ."  (Philippians 1:6)  You are God's Special Lady!

The next blog on IMAGE held this statement:

 The image I project to others must not just be couched in what I wear, but it must be a true reflection of the person I am inside and whom I represent.  For you see, I represent my Father, the King of Kings!  And, this is the image that others must see without the distraction of a contradictory appearance.

So, this summarizes my definition of true beauty!

2. Have you ever taken a trip by train? If so where did you go and what did you think of the experience? If not do you have any desire to do so? Where would you like to go? (You might find inspiration here-The Best Train Trips in The World)

Durango to Silverton, CO

My only train trips have been beautiful scenic rides.  The most memorable ones were to Seward, Alaska, and in Colorado.  Yes, we would love to take a more lengthy trip but not to any included in the link.  We would love to travel to the Northwest, but doubt that dream will be a reality at this point.

3. Shell shocked, bombshell, bandshell, shellacking, in a nutshell, walking on eggshells...choose one and tell us why you chose it, or how it relates to your life in some way currently.

I had trouble identifying with any of these, but I will go with "nutshell."  Why?  Let's go with this:  In a nutshell, life as a very senior adult (almost 82) can be challenging for many reasons, and yet it is the most content phase of our lives.  That, my dear friends is a blessing that can only come from living in confidence with Jesus Christ, knowing He is sovereign and all our todays and tomorrows are in His hands.

4. Tacos, pistachios, oysters, clams, eggs...your favorite food on the list that comes in/with a shell?

Definitely eggs!

 

5. Are birthdays a big deal in your house? Is your own birthday a big deal in some way? Elaborate.

 In jest, I put together this collage for my 80th birthday, and it probably still applies.

No, we do not make a big deal about birthdays, although we do contact each of our family members on their special day.  My own birthday hasn't been a big deal for as long as I can remember.  Hubby usually takes me out for dinner, but that is about it.

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

Speaking of birthdays, we will be flying to South Bend, IN a week from today to celebrate our great granddaughter, Navy Grace on her 2nd birthday.  We were there in July for her big brother's 4th birthday.  So maybe we do make a big deal for certain birthdays.  It is such a blessing to be included for these special events and we surely don't mind making the trip to be there.

Celebrating on the Hodgepodge

Today is my husband's birthday, and Friday will be our 62nd wedding anniversary, so this is an exciting week for us.  There are no big plans except to express gratitude to our Creator, the Lord of our life, for bringing us together and blessing us with long, healthy and prosperous lives.

Welcome to this week's Wednesday Hodgepodge where Joyce  asks the questions and we give our answers.

Vol. 669

1. What's something you wanted to do this summer that you never got around to doing? 

We had hoped to take some short road trips this summer, but the heat has been excessive and the air quality so bad that no one wants to get outside for anything extracurricular.  Maybe this fall we can explore.

2. Were you the student who sat in the front row or hid in the back of the class? If you could go back and take one high school class again just for fun, which would it be?

I have never been a front row person for any reason.  I didn't necessarily hide in the back either.  I really cannot think of a class that was offered in my school that I would want to take.  I chose Home Economics over Typing, and never regretted that because I was able to take typing after H.S.  What I would change about high school is concentrating on my studies more seriously rather than sports and a boyfriend.  Neither offered long-range benefits.  

3. What characteristics do you think are essential in a good teacher (this can be applied to anyone who teaches, not just classroom teachers)?

My son has written a book I trust will soon be published about Becoming.  I think I can best answer this question by taking a thought from his book.  Our main objective should be to love, encourage, help, and live in such a way that those around us one day can say, "Because of you...I became."

4.  September 2nd is National Grits Day. Have you ever eaten grits? Are you a fan? If so how do you like yours? Would people describe you as 'having grit'?

 Now, in the south, grits are a mainstay for any breakfast or brunch.  We never use sugar or syrup but only add a big dollop of butter.

Our other go-to is Shrimp & Grits.

One of our favorite side dishes is just plain Cheese & Grits.

So yes, grits is a definite southerner's favorite dish.

Now, am I known for having grit?  I would say that I probably am or at least used to be.

5. What's something you're never too old or too young to enjoy?

Music 

6. Insert your own random thought here.

Prior to moving to our current location in Plano, TX in 2020, one of our favorite weekly TV series was Seal Team, an American military drama that began in 2017.  I recorded it and other favorite primetime shows, and we looked forward to watching as soon as we had time.

When we moved, we lost track of the show and never finished watching it.  That is until it showed up on Netflix a few weeks ago.  We binge watched all seven seasons as we had time, and saw the final episode on Sunday afternoon - "The Last Word."  Needless to say, we hated to see it end, even though it was time and it ended as best it could.  Now, to find another show to hold our interest.  Any suggestions?